FEARS IN A ESCAPE ROOM

Facing fears in escape rooms: how to overcome them and enjoy the experience

Escape room, with their immersive atmosphere and adrenaline-pumping challenges, have become one of the most popular entertainment activities in recent years. However, for many people, the idea of being “locked” in a room, even just for fun, can cause a certain level of anxiety or fear. Intense emotions are part of the experience, but it’s important to learn how to manage them in order to fully enjoy the adventure. In this article, we explore the most common fears in escape rooms and offer some tips on how to overcome them.

The Most Common Fears

Claustrophobia
The fear of confined spaces is among the most frequent. Even though you’re never truly locked in during an escape room (doors can always be opened in case of emergency), the feeling of being in a restricted environment can be uncomfortable.
Fear of the Dark
Many escape rooms, especially horror or mystery-themed ones, use dim lighting to increase tension. This can trigger instinctive or childhood fears related to the unknown.
Performance Anxiety
The time pressure (usually 60 minutes) can cause anxiety in those who fear they’re not “good enough” at solving puzzles, especially in group settings.
Fear of the Unknown
Entering a mysterious place with unfamiliar rules and dynamics can make some people feel disoriented. The lack of control is a common fear, even in a recreational context.
Scary and Disturbing Themes
Some escape rooms feature horror, thriller, or urban legend-inspired settings. The emotional intensity can be quite high, especially for those who are easily influenced or sensitive.

How to Overcome These Fears

Choose the Right Experience
Not all escape rooms are horror-themed or anxiety-inducing. There are rooms with adventure, fantasy, or detective themes that offer an engaging but not frightening experience. Do some research beforehand and choose one that suits your comfort level.
Talk to the Staff
Escape room staff are used to welcoming people with varying levels of experience and anxiety. You can mention your fears beforehand—many games can be adjusted or explained in ways that help you feel more at ease.
Go with People You Trust
Playing with friends or family can make all the difference. Knowing you’re with people who support you reduces anxiety and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Remember It’s Just a Game
Even if the atmosphere feels realistic, you’re always in a safe and controlled environment. There’s always a way out of every room, and staff monitor the entire experience through cameras.
Breathe and Relax
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Give yourself a moment to observe your surroundings, talk to your team, and slow down. Remember—it’s not a competition, but a team game.

The Reassuring Experience of Magic Escape Room Rome

A great example of an escape room that manages fears professionally is Magic Escape Room Roma. With years of experience, this venue is known for its customer care and ability to deliver immersive experiences without ever pushing players beyond their personal limits. Their room masters are highly trained not only in game facilitation but also in welcoming and managing participants’ anxieties and fears with empathy, offering support before, during, and after each session.Magic Escape Room offers a variety of themed rooms, most of which are suitable for everyone—perfect for first-timers or those who are more sensitive to certain stimuli. There is only one horror room, designed for the bravest who want to test themselves with a high-impact emotional experience. Thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and attention to customer wellbeing, Magic Escape Room Rome successfully transforms initial anxiety into pure fun—helping players discover that the real escape is from fear itself.